AH1N1
Vaccines Tested in Costa Rica Get FDA
Approval
One group of Costa Ricans is totally
protected against the AH1N1 flu virus. This
is the group that has been taking part in
testing one of the five vaccines being
tested in Costa Rica and getting approval
from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
in the United States,
Although the approval is preliminary, based
on the first test results, Adriano Arguedas,
director of the Costa Rican study, says he
is pleased that the vaccine is being
approved.
The FDA gave the go-ahead of the vaccines
being tested by Novartis, CLS, Sanofi-Pasteur
and Medimmune, while Glaxo Smith Kline is
waiting notice on their vaccine.
The four vaccines are all similar, three
which are injected, while the fourth is
inhaled.
For the injected vaccine, the most common
side effect is soreness at the injection
site. Other side effects may include mild
fever, body aches, and fatigue for a few
days after the inoculation.
For the nasal spray vaccine, the most common
side effects include runny nose or nasal
congestion for all ages, sore throats in
adults, and — in children two to six years
old — fever.
The approval clears the way for the vaccine
to be administered as soon as it is
available.
"Today's approval is good news for our
nation's response to the 2009 H1N1 influenza
virus," said FDA Commissioner Margaret A.
Hamburg. "This vaccine will help protect
individuals from serious illness and death
from influenza."
The licensing means that the vaccine is made
properly and meets specific manufacturing...
More information on the approved vaccines is
available at the
FDA website.
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5 steps to avoid catching A/H1N1 flu
The deadly A/H1N1 flu has swept the
world since its first detection in Mexico in
March, now linked to more than 700 deaths
and over 100,000 have been infected. Here
are five steps recommended by health experts
to take to help you avoid catching the
virus.
Step 1: The first and most
important is frequent washing of hands with
soap and water or hand sanitizers,
especially if you have been out in public.
Step 2: Avoid touching your
mouth, eyes or nose with your hands as the
moisture in these areas make them primary
sites of transmission.
Step 3: Face mask may help
avoid transmission of the virus if you are
caring for the sick. Since flu can spread to
surfaces after coughing or sneezing,
sanitize these surfaces with alcohol.
Step 4: Avoid people who are
sick. People with flu can remain contagious
for up to ten days. This might mean just
keeping distance between you and people you
meet during the day, or avoiding public
places altogether.
Step 5: Avoid greeting someone with a
kiss or a handshake. Stay out of crowded
places. |
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